The 1994 Florida Treasurer election took place on November 8, 1994 to elect the Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Fire Marshal of Florida, alongside many other elections in the state and around the country.
Incumbent Treasurer Tom Gallagher was term-limited and unable to run again. In his place, Democrat Bill Nelson was elected with 51.7% of the vote, defeating Republican State Rep. Tim Ireland.
Candidates Democratic primary
Bill Nelson, former member of the United States House of Representatives from Florida's 11th congressional district (1979-1991) Karen Gievers, lawyer and activist from Miami, Florida Fred Westman
Republican primary
Tim Ireland, Member of the Florida House of Representatives from Florida's 75th State House district (1984-1992) R. K. "Skip" Hunter, insurance executive from Pensacola, Florida
General election Campaign During the general election, Ireland accused Nelson of trying to intimidate insurance agents and company officials who supported Ireland, calling it "political terrorism." Nelson's spokesman flatly denied the accusation, accusing Ireland of trying to pump up a campaign that trails in money and name recognition. Indeed, Nelson had raised five times the amount of money that Ireland had by early October.
Ireland also accused Nelson of taking $84,000 in illegal campaign funds, allegedly acquired during the week before the September 8, 1994 primary, which was prohibited. Nelson campaign manager Brian May claimed that the money was raised before September 1, 1994, but computer problems caused the contributions to be reported after the date. Nelson did not return the money.
Results
References